Jeremy Davis and the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra blog: New Orleans Jazz Tribute to Ben Tucker Memorial

for immediate release
June 12, 2013

Equinox Orchestra Brings New Orleans Jazz Tribute to Ben Tucker Memorial, Inspired to Continue His Legacy

Savannah, GA - On Monday, June 10, Savannah, Georgia, said goodbye to one of her most inspirational and influential residents -- Ben Tucker. A legendary jazz bassist, Ben Tucker played with countless greats, such as Billy Taylor, Quincy Jones, Grant Green, Dexter Gordon, Hank Crawford and Herbie Mann. He also composed 300 original songs, the most famous being "Coming Home, Baby." For the last four decades he has called savannah home, and Savannah is grateful for not only his musical influence, but more importantly, his leadership, vision, philanthropy and perpetual smile.

Among the vast citizens of Savannah so blessed by Ben Tucker are Jeremy Davis and Clay Johnson, originally from Louisiana, the birthplace of jazz. Desiring to pay their utmost respects to Ben Tucker, and his surviving widow and family, they volunteered to coordinate a traditional New Orleans-styled dirge and second line to lead the mourners out of the Lutheran Church of the Ascension and to Ellis square to continue the memorial. And the family said "yes."

"I count myself as truly blessed to have known Ben Tucker," says band leader and tenor sax player Jeremy Davis. Singer and trombone player Clay Johnson echoes his sentiments, "We are humbled and honored to be a part of Ben Tucker's memorial."

Jeremy and Clay hope to continue to inspire positive change through their music, just as Ben Tucker touched their lives for the better.